2013 Winter Classic Alumni Rosters Announced

Today the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings announced a small portion of their respective rosters for the Alumni Games, that will take place as part of the 2013 Winter Classic. Oh boy are they something to get excited about!

One of the best things about being a fan of an Original Six team is the history and mythology of the franchise. The Alumni Game will give us a chance to see some of the greatest players for each franchise over different eras on the same sheet of ice.

For the Wings:

Seeing Dougie, Wendel, and Andreychuk, and Potvin on the ice together is a dream come true. As I write this I’m looking at a photo of my 12 year old self meeting Doug Gilmour and a framed signed photo of Gilmour with Domi after the last game at Maple Leafs Gardens. This event is going to be historic, and it’s going to be awesome.

Obviously some significant names were left off the list. I hope/expect names like Sundin, and Salming to be added in the future. I wonder if the Leafs could bring Keon back, that would make the event that much more special.

For now the names listed are enough to make me hope my name is drawn to have a shot at buying some astronomically expensive tickets. But it’s a small price to pay to see my childhood heroes reunited.

Kevin Maguire played with the Leafs in ’86-87, ’90-92. He played a grand total of 88 games in the blue and white and then became an official. Strange that he would be playing at the alumni game… I hope he doesn’t take Mike Gartner’s spot.

Hugs & high fives to someone else with that Dougie and Tie picture. The alumni game is almost worth being more excited about than the actual Winter Classic. And I think that “almost” might be unnecessary.